elected in 2005, he succeeded john paul ii. there have been recent concerns about his health and he's needed help walking, but a vatican spokesperson insists he's not facing anything grave. the cardinals will elect his replacement and hope that can happen by holy week. >> they're looking for someone to preserve the court teachings of the church and be a faith in the church. >> reporter: holy watchers say there doesn't appear to be a front runner. many wonder if the time has come for a non-european leader. >> and more reaction now. an event so rare, it hasn't happened in 600 years. there is shock and appreciation for his bold move. tom fitzgerald gathered reaction from cardinals to parishioners. safe to say no one saw this coming. >> reporter: you're right. in fact, the cardinal told reporters here in washington that he recently visited the pope in rome and that the holy water gave no hint what -- father gave no hint what he was thinking about. after seven years, pope benedict xvi's relatively brief papacy, the end of which is b